NINE more cases of swine flu were confirmed in the UK yesterday, taking the total number to 27, but, thankfully, the prospect of a deadly pandemic appears to be receding – at least, for now.

Pandemics come in waves, with the second and third usually being worst than the first, so the Department of Health is right to say we cannot afford to be complacent.

Hopefully, the first wave of swine flu has given scientists time to develop a vaccine. If a second wave arrives this autumn, the world should be armed with an effective defence.

History may show that swine flu gave the world a timely warning, and thereby helped avoid a repeat of the 1918 pandemic when tens of millions of people died.

The Government deserves kudos, too, for its preparedness – Britain being second only to France in its preparations for a possible pandemic – and the level-headed approach it has taken to the flu threat.

Sadly, the media can claim little credit.

The approach of some television and newspapers has bordered on the hysterical at times – particularly one national newspaper’s chilling prediction that only nuclear war posed a greater threat.

At least the publicity overload last week encouraged some people with mild flu-like symptoms to seek medical help – and thereby limited the spread of the virus here in the UK.

The British are famous for facing hard times with a stiff upper lip.

The best way to fight swine flu is to remain phlegmatic in any possible pandemic.